Length Adjustable Equipment Hanging Device For Hub Style Portable Shelters And Hub Style Ground Blinds

Abstract

The invention is a device used for hub style portable shelters and hub style ground blinds that utilizes ceiling hub poles or side wall hub poles in order to hang equipment. What is new is the length spanning adjustability of the device. The device is comprised, in part, of linear components which can be secured at different positions in relationship to each other, for example, telescoping tubes. With an adjustable spanning length, the invention can be installed at various positions between the same two adjacent ceiling hub poles or side wall hub poles at various distances from the central hub to the relevant pole ends. Hooks at the ends of the device rest over or on top of the adjacent poles. Hooks are installed between the ends from which to hang equipment. The spanning components also separate and can serve as, in part, individual equipment hanging devices using appropriate accessories.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 17/893,179

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT (IF APPLICABLE)

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX (IF APPLICABLE)

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the world of bowhunting from a ground blind, a serious issue is finding a suitable way to store the compound bow, with an arrow nocked, in the blind ready to be handled and shot. For many, the most ideal location for a bow to be stored in a ground blind while not in use would be to have the bow suspended between two ceiling hub poles so it can hang within arm's reach of the bowhunter. This would allow the hunter to simply grab the bow and move it from a hook of some sort and prepare for a shot.

Current options for compound bow storage in a ground blind do not provide the bowhunter the ability to suspend the bow at varying locations between where they sit in the blind, and the window(s) they shoot out. A common product is a ground stake type of bow holder that sticks into the ground and then the bow limb is levered and leaning forward, putting pressure on the ground stake. In many cases, the ground itself is too soft to maintain an upright position. When this happens, the bow, which is usually nocked with a broadhead tipped arrow, can fall forward, and put a hole into the ground blind or damage equipment. This is simply not a good solution. Another option is a simple hook that screws into the ground blind ceiling hub. This way, the bow will hang straight down in the center of the blind. This is not an ideal location. The bowhunter is usually positioned in that location.

I needed to find a way to hang the bow out in front of me, at an arm's length right where I wanted it to be to facilitate the execution of a shot. I needed a hanging device that spanned the distance between two ceiling hub poles in front of me. From that, I could hang my bow or any other gear right where I wanted it to be suspended.

So, I got to work. I made a prototype using a wooden dowel and some screw hooks from Menards which were screwed into the ends of the 36″ long, 1″ diameter dowel. I drilled a hole in the middle of the dowel and put a ¼″ J-hook to hold my bow while turkey hunting. I was hoping the hooks on the ends would hook over the ceiling hub poles and suspend equipment, and it did. That crude prototype worked well enough for 4 years, but had room for improvement. I started brainstorming on how to make it better, and decided to design a device to try to help others out who bow hunt from a ground blind. See Drawings for schematics.

The invention resolves the primary problem, allowing hub style ground blind users to hang, secure or otherwise suspend equipment from between two adjacent ground blind ceiling hub poles, and allow the freedom to secure, hang or otherwise suspend equipment from various locations along the spanning axis. This device, I quickly realized, can also be applied to hub style portable shelter use as well (i.e. portable hub style ice fishing shelter). The invention can be utilized on both hub style portable shelter and hub style ground blind ceiling hub poles and side wall hub poles to hang or support equipment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is designed to use on hub style portable shelter or hub style ground blind ceiling hub and side wall hub poles in order to suspend or secure equipment. It is a device that is comprised of components that cooperate in order to span the distance between ceiling hub poles or side wall hub poles, making it length adjustable. There are multiple designs to achieve this objective. One method, as included in this non-provisional patent application, is the use of telescopic tubes. One tube has a smaller outside diameter than the inside diameter of the other tube. This allows the smaller diameter tube to slide in and out of the larger diameter tube. The tubes have holes drilled through them vertically at equal distances apart. This allows the holes to line up when the tubes are telescoping. There is a position set screw that is installed through both tubes that secures the tubes together once the spanning distance is determined. This prevents the tubes from moving in relationship to each other while the device is in use. There are custom hooks that have a threaded shaft that are installed at the end holes of the device. These are secured via threaded nuts and thumb nuts on either side of the corresponding tube. These hooks then are placed over two adjacent ground blind or portable shelter ceiling hub poles, but slide under the exterior fabric. The device is installed from the inside of the hub style shelter or blind and is supported by the ceiling hub poles. The spanning components of the device can be outfitted with equipment hooks that are installed through one of the many holes available. From these hooks or the device's spanning components themselves, the user can suspend equipment in various positions between hub style portable shelter and ground blind ceiling poles. The device can also be utilized on hub style portable shelter and hub style ground blind side wall hub poles. In addition, the telescopic tubes can be separated and outfitted with additional hooks to be used as independent equipment hanging devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Drawing 1/10 consists of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4

Drawing 1 is the details and schematics of the telescopic components of the invention

FIG. 1 is the Side view of the larger diameter telescopic component

FIG. 2 is the Top view of the larger diameter telescopic component

FIG. 3 is the Side view of the smaller diameter telescopic component

FIG. 4 is the Top view of the smaller diameter telescopic component

Drawing 2/10 consists of FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8

This drawing simply illustrates one of many alternative designs of the spanning components in order to achieve length adjustability for the device. It references to claim number 2 utilizing modified flat bar to serve as the spanning components.

FIG. 5 is the Side view of the longer component with schematics and details

FIG. 6 is the Top view of the longer component with details

FIG. 7 is the Side view of the shorter component with schematics and details

FIG. 8 is the Top view of the shorter component with details

Drawing 3/10 consists of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10

Drawing 3 is the details and schematic of the left side hanging hook

FIG. 9 is the Side view of the left side hanging hook

FIG. 10 is the Rear view of the left side hanging hook

Drawing 4/10 consists of FIG. 11 and FIG. 12

Drawing 4 is the details and schematic of the right side hanging hook

FIG. 11 is the Side view of the right side hanging hook

FIG. 12 is the Front view of the right side hanging hook

Drawing 5/10 consists of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14

Drawing 5/10 is the details and schematics of two custom hooks from which to hang equipment

FIG. 13 is the Side view of the compound bow cam hanging hook

FIG. 14 is the Side view of the quick hanging hook, for fast placement and mobility

Drawing 6/10 consists of FIG. 15

Drawing 6 provides the details and schematic of a general hanging hook

FIG. 15 is the Side view of the general equipment hanging hook

Drawing 7/10 consists of FIG. 16

FIG. 16 illustrates some main features, applications, components of the invention and general notes.

Drawing 8/10 consists of FIG. 17

FIG. 17 illustrates a sample assembly and shows multiple applications of the invention and components in addition to general notes and details

FIG. 18 illustrates how the primary spanning components are separable, can be outfitted with additional components and utilized as equipment hanging devices for hub style portable shelters and hub style ground blinds

Drawing 9/10 consists of FIG. 19 and FIG. 20

This drawing illustrates one of many alternative designs of the spanning components in order to achieve length adjustability for the device. It references to claim number 2 and Drawing 2/10, depicting the utilization of modified flat bars to serve as the spanning components.

FIG. 19 illustrates some main features, applications, components of the flat bar version of the invention and general notes

FIG. 20 depicts separability, similar to the telescopic tubes design

Drawing 10/10 consists of FIG. 21

FIG. 21 is an illustration to further depict applications and adjustability of the invention as an equipment hanging device for hub style portable shelters and hub style ground blinds

FIG. 22 is the front page illustration as requested by USPTO for a non-provisional patent application

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is an equipment hanging device for hub style portable shelters and hub style ground blinds. It is the first invention designed to be adjustable in length in order to span distance between ground blind ceiling or side wall hub poles and portable shelter ceiling or side wall hub poles from which to suspend or support equipment.

The invention is comprised, in part, of two telescopic tubes. See FIG. 1/2 & FIG. 3/4 for the schematic and details. These tubes are telescopic, so one of them can slide in and out of the other one. This makes the invention linearly adjustable. The tubes are comprised of black anodized aluminum and feature 5 mm holes drilled through them, evenly spaced so they can line up, and custom-made hooks can be inserted through the tube holes. See FIG. 9/10, FIG. 11/12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, and FIG. 15 for illustrations and schematics of hooks. The hooks are made of #10-24 stainless steel and are about 4.8 mm in diameter. This is a great fit for the 5 mm holes. The user can secure the telescopic tubes in relationship to each other with a nylon bolt and thumb nut or by utilizing one of the custom equipment hanging hooks as noted in FIG. 16, as some hooks feature a threaded portion to which threaded nuts can be installed and secure the telescopic tubes. See FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 for an illustration.

The invention is held in place by end hooks (See FIG. 9/10 and FIG. 11/12) which are secured at the ends of the device when in a telescoping position), and slid over the ground blind ceiling hub poles from the inside of the portable shelter or ground blind. Similarly, the end hooks can be positioned around the side wall hub poles. Due to the design of the invention, the telescopic tubes are supported/suspended by the hub ceiling poles or hub side wall poles. Equipment hooks are installed between the ends of the device from which equipment can be suspend, attached, or otherwise secured. These are held firmly by threaded nuts in the location desired by the user.

The invention is designed to be able to physically separate the telescopic components from each other. Each component can be then be fitted with appropriate end hooks and equipment hooks to serve as individual equipment hanging devices for hub style portable shelters and hub style ground blinds.

The invention allows for countless uses and applications when it comes to hanging equipment from hub style ground blind hub poles and hub style portable shelter hub poles.

How to Make the Invention

• • 1.) Procure FIG. 1/FIG. 2 from a CNC fabrication source
  • 2.) Procure FIG. 3/FIG. 4 from a CNC fabrication source
  • 3.) Procure FIG. 5/FIG. 6 from a CNC fabrication source
  • 4.) Procure FIG. 7/FIG. 8 from a CNC fabrication source
  • 5.) Procure FIG. 9 from a CNC fabrication source
  • 6.) Procure FIG. 10 from a CNC fabrication source
  • 7.) Procure FIG. 11 from a CNC fabrication source
  • 8.) Procure (#10-24) nylon nuts from online retail source
  • 9.) Procure (#10-24) nylon thumb nuts from online retail source
  • 10.) Procure (#10-24) stainless steel nuts
  • 11.) Procure (#10-24) nylon threaded bolts from online retail source
  • 12.) Assemble device as per FIG. 13 or as desired. Ensure that the left hanging hook (FIG. 9/10) is on the left end, and similarly for the FIG. 11/12 on the right side of the device. Left and Right at from perspective of installing device from inside of the shelter or blind
  • 13.) Set up portable shelter or ground blind and locate where to install device between two adjacent ceiling hub poles or side wall hub poles
  • 14.) Secure desired spanning length of device, or separate and outfit with appropriate hooks
  • 15.) Install device from inside the shelter or blind, by sliding one end hook over or around the corresponding side ceiling or side wall hub pole, then repeat with other side
  • 16.) Adjust location of equipment hooks as necessary
  • 17.) See FIG. 14 for alternate applications
  • 18.) See FIG. 15 for additional usage capabilities
    How to Make the Invention without Custom CNC Costs
  • 1.) Purchase 3′ section Part #6891 from Onlinemetals dot com
  • 2.) Cut and drill holes as per FIG. 1 and FIG. 2
  • 3.) Anodize at home. Youtube can provide links to DIY videos
  • 4.) Purchase a 2′ section of Part #9056K33 from McMaster dot com
  • 5.) Cut and drill holes as per FIG. 3 and FIG. 4
  • 6.) Anodize at home.
  • 7.) Purchase two of Part 95412A437 from McMaster dot com
  • 8.) Create FIG. 9/10 as illustrated using the #10-24 stainless threaded rod. Utilize a vice and sockets to create arcs, with a 4 lb hammer. Recommended to use a torch to reduce breaking of threaded rod while bending
  • 9.) Create FIG. 11/12
  • 10.) Purchase black nylon #10-24 nuts and stainless #10-24 nuts from Menards or online retail store
  • 11.) Purchase Fasten Tight Black Nylon 10-24 knurled Thumb Nuts from online. Amazon had them available
  • 12.) Purchase nylon #10-24 threaded bolt via online. 1.5″ will suffice, from McMaster dot com, Part #92942A747 in black
  • 13.) Establish desired length. Install threaded bolt and secure with thumb nut
  • 14.) Identify FIG. 9/10. Thread on stainless nut. Thread on nylon nut. Insert on left-most hole of device, thread on thumb nut.
  • 15.) Repeat for right side, FIG. 11/12
  • 16.) Install device on portable shelter or ground blind ceiling or side wall hub poles
  • 17.) Install equipment hooks as desired similarly to end hooks
  • 18.) Utilize device to help others live life and make memories

Claims

1. A device comprised of, in part or entirely, components that cooperate in a manner as to be length adjustable to span distance between the following:

Hub style portable shelter ceiling poles

Hub style portable shelter side wall poles

Hub style ground blind ceiling poles

Hub style ground blind side wall poles

2. The length adjustable device of claim 1, wherein:

The device is an equipment hanging device

The primary spanning components are telescopic

The primary spanning components are comprised, in part or entirely, of a slide rail system or integrated channel system

The primary spanning components are comprised, in part or entirely, of two or more tubes that cooperate

The primary spanning components are comprised, in part or entirely, of one or more tubes and a rod that cooperate

The primary spanning components are comprised, in part or entirely, or two or more modified flat bars that cooperate

The primary spanning components are of a geometric profile (cross-section view)

The primary spanning components can be secured in position in relationship to each other

The primary spanning components are designed to support or secure hooks or other accessories from which to suspend, support, secure or otherwise store items or equipment

The primary spanning components are designed with incorporated hooks, clamps or other components that hang over, around, clamp onto or otherwise secure to ceiling hub poles or side wall hub poles

The primary spanning components are designed to, in part or entirely, support hooks, clamps or other components that hang over, around, clamp onto or otherwise secure to ceiling hub poles or side wall hub poles

The primary spanning components are designed to allow positional adjustability along the spanning axis to support, suspend, secure, or otherwise attach hooks or another component

The primary spanning components can be physically separated and utilized as primary spanning components for ceiling hub or side wall hub poles from which to suspend, support, attach or otherwise secure equipment or items

3. A device for hub style portable shelters and hub style ground blinds that is comprised of, in part or entirely, a component that spans a distance between ceiling poles or side wall poles and is designed to allow, in part or entirely, positional adjustability of another component within the spanning distance